Pro-Kremlin political scientist Leszek Sykulski is set to initiate a program on geostrategy at the private Wyższa Szkoła Społeczno-Ekonomiczna in Gdańsk, previously embroiled in controversy regarding its former rector, who faced corruption allegations. Sykulski's appointment comes as he returns to the public eye after a period of absence following the exposure of his pro-Russian views and connections, including interactions with the Russian ambassador and his establishment of pro-Kremlin organizations.

As part of the program, Sykulski plans to develop a postgraduate course entitled 'Geopolitics and Geostrategy', further entrenching pro-Russian ideologies in academic discourse, particularly aimed at military personnel and government officials. The current rector, Eryk Kowalczyk, has ties to Sykulski and shares ideological leanings, which raises concerns about the potential impact these studies could have on Poland's military understanding and international relations within the context of Eastern European geopolitics.

Critics within Poland express alarm regarding the collaboration between the university and figures with known pro-Russian affiliations, arguing that it threatens to undermine pro-democratic values and could influence the educational system in a manner that favors authoritarian narratives. The future of these academic offerings may become a contentious issue amidst Poland's ongoing struggle with its historical and geopolitical identity in relation to Russia.